I have been reloading for just over 3 months now and have really enjoyed the versatility it has given me and the variance I can work through for my specific needs. The manuals gave me a great starting point. I currently have the Nosler Reloading Guide #8 and the Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Manual and really enjoyed the read and the loading data in the book. Between watching youtube videos and reading the manual I was able put together several loads and really enjoyed the research in finding what best works for my gun. It also has given me the confidence to change the variables in the loads and see which works best for my needs.
Of course like anything else in my life, when I find a passion for something I typically want to take it to the next step and started looking into cast boolits. I love the hands on approach and yet again the versatility it will give me. But like anything I like to over research before I continue. In looking through the forums I see most mention the Lyman Cast Bullets Handbook #3 or #4, this one is already on order, but I would like several references in possible. I have downloaded/printed out From Ingot to Target: A Cast Bullet Guide for Handgunners and started reading through it. My main focus will be for the 30-30 and .308 Winchester both of my hunting rifles. The eventual purpose is two fold, to give me more time shooting to increase skill and to hunt with cast boolits eventually, but want to fully understand the risks and rewards associated with it first.
This is where my question really comes into play, what manuals would you guys suggest for understanding the process of casting, best practices, cautions, as well as load data suggestions to start. With detailed reasoning for gas checks, bullet resizing, best practices for customizing bullets to each rifle.
The intent is not to cause an argument, but get a list of 3 or 4 initial handbooks I can sit, read, and devour the information inside.